The Moon Float: A Journey Through Art and Mythology with Tsuki Boko

 When you walk the streets of Kyoto during the Gion Festival, you'll witness something truly special: a living piece of art and history. Among the towering yamaboko floats, one stands out for its serene beauty and deep connection to Japanese mythology—the Tsuki Boko.

The name itself, "Tsuki Boko," translates to "Moon Float." "Tsuki" is the Japanese word for moon, while "boko" is a general term for the floats used in the festival. This particular float is a tribute to Tsukiyomi-no-mikoto, the Japanese god of the moon. In a unique twist for global mythology, Tsukiyomi is the male counterpart to the sun goddess Amaterasu. Their separation is a foundational myth explaining why the moon and sun govern the day and night.

The Tsuki Boko is not just a float; it is a treasure trove of historical art. The ca
rvings on its gables, which depict rabbits leaping amidst waves, are believed to be the work of the legendary 17th-century sculptor Hidari Jingoro. This motif of the rabbit in the moon is a beloved Japanese folk tale, where the rabbit is seen pounding mochi rice cakes—a stark contrast to the "man in the moon" found in Western folklore. Inside, the ceiling is adorned with paintings by the celebrated artist Maruyama Ōkyo, illustrating scenes from the classic novel The Tale of the Genji.

To see the Tsuki Boko is to take a journey into the heart of Japanese culture, where art, myth, and history intertwine. It's a testament to the enduring traditions that make the Gion Festival one of Japan's most spectacular and culturally rich events.

Visit: https://www.gionfestival.org/yamaboko-floats/saki-matsuri/tsuki-boko/